Poignant observations. I got sick in my mid 20s and it made me embrace the now. Then I hit 40 and I thought now it never. I’m heading to 50 now and I’m on the road of ‘do what you want and do it now’!!
Living in Hungary, I had a similar upbringing, as you. Being 80, I have limited time to change. I am lucky, that having been a workaholic, I never felt the rewards coming late. Because the rewards were the well delivered results of my work itself. My real secret was that I managed to set my work goals for myself, and tried not to wait for my bosses. Of course, I had to suffer from failures, too, but success came more frequently.
Yes, love this reminder to live now instead of for later! Yes, I did that too and it affected my health. Now it's about living in the moment for me instead of later!! So glad you are too, Magdalena!
Tons of good reactions here. I still think, if the work is well done, then success is already here. Of course it is an inner success. You can't buy a dinner for it.
I would definitely pass the marshmallow test. I function better when I do my work first, then relax because don’t like tasks hanging over my head.
A good way of appreciating what we have now is to pretend you are travelling back in time from a future self. A 90 year old me would find plenty to savour in my present life.
Poignant observations. I got sick in my mid 20s and it made me embrace the now. Then I hit 40 and I thought now it never. I’m heading to 50 now and I’m on the road of ‘do what you want and do it now’!!
Excellent way of being and living!
Living in Hungary, I had a similar upbringing, as you. Being 80, I have limited time to change. I am lucky, that having been a workaholic, I never felt the rewards coming late. Because the rewards were the well delivered results of my work itself. My real secret was that I managed to set my work goals for myself, and tried not to wait for my bosses. Of course, I had to suffer from failures, too, but success came more frequently.
What an amazing approach!
Partly, you have to be lucky, but confidence and trust will definitely help, too. Wish you all the three in your pursuits.
The Japanese work ethic is respect. I enormously respect the lessons you give us.
Oh Gosh, I am so lucky that I met you before I die. I delayed everything I wanted to do. I cannot delay any more.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this immensely beautiful acknowledgement! You have made my year!!!
Yes, love this reminder to live now instead of for later! Yes, I did that too and it affected my health. Now it's about living in the moment for me instead of later!! So glad you are too, Magdalena!
I love having and sharing these aha moments!
This is SO good!
How often do I have "delayed gratification" confused with "it's not OK to be content/satisfied"?
Or worse: "It's not OK/not safe to experience my own joy" ?
Wonderful deep thoughts to reflect on, journal on, and take on as a challenge to break up old brain patterns that no longer serve me.
Thank you!
Excellent points!
Tons of good reactions here. I still think, if the work is well done, then success is already here. Of course it is an inner success. You can't buy a dinner for it.
Inner success and fulfillment - very well said!
The most important lesson of my life.
Scottish heritage and parents who lived through WW11 and Depression will do that too..
But a health scare early on in my life and seeing chronic illness, pain and old age changed everything for me.
Every hour now is precious.
'Later' is for stuff I don't want to do.
Beautiful approach ! Supported by such powerful life lessons.
I would definitely pass the marshmallow test. I function better when I do my work first, then relax because don’t like tasks hanging over my head.
A good way of appreciating what we have now is to pretend you are travelling back in time from a future self. A 90 year old me would find plenty to savour in my present life.
Love the idea of asking the 90 year old self ! Brilliant
I really enjoyed your story and how you were conflicted between your Polish values and the American lifestyle.
It's an important reminder that both are important: working hard today but also finding joy today because we can't take tomorrow for granted.
As always, well said Veronica